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Multivessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection With Coronary Artery Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Franz Schweis1, Ara H Rostomian1, Derek Phan1
1Department of Cardiology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Insights
This case study shows fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) can affect coronary arteries, leading to spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Extra-coronary imaging is crucial for diagnosing FMD in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome.
- Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic vascular disease often affecting renal and carotid arteries.
- The association between FMD and SCAD is increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with acute coronary syndrome.
- Coronary angiography revealed SCAD in multiple coronary arteries.
- Associated FMD was diagnosed in the vertebral and renal arteries.
Findings:
- Follow-up coronary angiography demonstrated a "string of beads" appearance in the posterior descending artery, characteristic of FMD.
- This suggests FMD can manifest angiographically within the coronary arteries.
- The case underscores the importance of considering FMD in patients with SCAD.
Implications:
- Highlights the necessity of screening for FMD in patients with SCAD, even without typical FMD risk factors.
- Suggests that coronary artery imaging may reveal characteristic FMD findings.
- Emphasizes the role of comprehensive vascular imaging in managing complex cardiovascular presentations.
Abstract:
A 53-year-old woman underwent a cardiac catheterization for evaluation of acute coronary syndrome. The coronary angiogram revealed evidence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in multiple coronary arteries including the left anterior descending artery, posterior descending artery, and posterior left ventricular artery. Further diagnostic imaging revealed associated bilateral vertebral artery and renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Follow-up coronary angiogram 6 weeks later revealed a "string of beads" appearance of the posterior descending artery. This case highlights the importance of extra-coronary imaging for FMD and demonstrates angiogram findings suggestive of coronary FMD.
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